AGP Executive Report

Ebola Response in Congo: WHO-backed researchers in eastern Congo have started a trial testing a monoclonal antibody (MBP134) and an antiviral (including remdesivir) against the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, as cases rise to 1,400+ with 438 deaths. Rapid Testing Push: A global diagnostics alliance says the race for a rapid Bundibugyo antigen test has narrowed to five manufacturers, aiming for field trials in weeks so health workers can get results on the spot. Public Health & Lab Safety: New reporting on NIH’s Rocky Mountain Labs highlights a Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever exposure incident tied to a glove tear, with officials saying protocols were followed and there was no public risk. Wildlife Monitoring in Congo: The Jane Goodall Institute says new research has confirmed African manatees in the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve, supported by training and long-term acoustic monitoring. Water & Climate Science: A new study maps how the Congo River’s massive freshwater flow spreads into the Atlantic, using modeling and observations to track rotating currents that carry water far offshore. Nature-Based Climate Action: Africa’s science and policy circles are pushing stronger environmental laws and better financing for nature-based solutions, linking research to jobs, resilience, and justice. Digital Finance in Congo Region: Optasia’s trading update points to faster growth, with revenue gains expected to include the Republic of Congo as microfinancing traction expands.

Ebola Response: Researchers in eastern Congo have started a WHO-backed clinical trial testing a monoclonal antibody (MBP134) and an antiviral (remdesivir) for Bundibugyo Ebola, as cases top 1,400 and deaths reach 438. Rapid Testing Race: A separate push is narrowing to five manufacturers for a rapid antigen test that could deliver results on the spot and speed up isolation in the field. Water & Space Science: A new study traces how the Congo River’s massive freshwater flow fans out into the Atlantic, using ocean modeling and observations to map the role of rotating currents in spreading the plume. Port Infrastructure: Congo Terminal completed steel pile driving for the East Mole expansion’s future quay, installing 558 piles and keeping a 2027 delivery target on track. Digital Finance: Optasia shares jumped after a trading update, with microfinancing now driving most revenue and growth expected across Ghana, Pakistan, Indonesia and the Republic of Congo.

Ebola Response in Congo: WHO-backed researchers have started a clinical trial for Bundibugyo Ebola treatments, enrolling the first participant to test a monoclonal antibody and an antiviral, as cases and deaths keep rising in eastern Congo. Rapid Testing Push: A global diagnostics alliance says the race for a rapid Bundibugyo Ebola antigen test has narrowed to five manufacturers, aiming for field trials in weeks so health workers can isolate cases faster. Congo River Science: New research maps how the Congo River’s massive freshwater flow spreads into the Atlantic, using ocean modeling and observations to track the plume and swirling currents that move it far offshore. Port Infrastructure: Congo Terminal completed steel pile driving for the East Mole expansion’s future quay, installing 558 piles and keeping the project on track for delivery in the first half of 2027. Nature-Based Climate Action: African experts and policymakers renewed calls for stronger environmental laws and better financing to scale nature-based solutions for resilience, jobs, and justice.

Nature-Based Climate Action: Experts at Ghana’s DSRA lecture urged governments, universities and businesses to protect and restore forests, wetlands and soils to cut climate risks and create jobs, with IUCN warning Africa’s future depends on nature, not short-term extraction. Climate Finance & Policy: Samuel Abu Jinapor pushed for innovative financing and stronger environmental laws so research becomes policy and investment can scale nature-based solutions. Environmental Rights Across Africa: The ERA coalition is launching 20-country environmental rights case studies to map gaps in governance, civic participation and access to justice for communities and defenders. Digital Identity & Cybersecurity: Rwanda is expanding biometric digital IDs to refugees and residents, while regional digital governance continues to grow—plus Airtel Kenya leadership changes highlight telecom innovation momentum. Port & Infrastructure: Congo Terminal completed steel pile driving for the East Mole expansion quay, supporting delivery in 2027 and boosting Central Africa trade capacity. Local Tech & Business: Vidari Group unveiled Vidaripay, a cross-border payments platform for freelancers and small businesses across Congo and other markets. Sports Tech Angle (Local Pride): Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi’s standout World Cup performance against England kept the nation in the spotlight.

Digital Identity & Security: Rwanda is expanding biometric digital IDs to refugees and citizens, using photos, fingerprints, and iris scans to feed a centralized system for public services, while Kenya is pushing cybersecurity upgrades to support its fast-growing digital government. Fintech for Cross-Border Trade: Vidari Group launched Vidaripay, a pan-African payment platform aimed at cutting transaction costs and delays for freelancers and small businesses across multiple markets, including the Republic of Congo. Port Infrastructure: Congo Terminal completed steel pile driving for the East Mole expansion’s future quay, installing 558 piles and keeping delivery on track for the first half of 2027 to boost cargo handling capacity. Environmental Governance: Samuel Abu Jinapor called for stronger environmental laws so nature-based solutions can drive resilience, jobs, and sustainable growth, stressing that research must translate into policy and investment. Environmental Rights Research: The ERA coalition is rolling out 20-country Environmental Rights case studies to assess how communities can access information, participate in decisions, and seek justice. Health Lab Safety Watch: Whistleblower documents allege ongoing safety gaps at an NIH virus lab in Montana, raising concerns about protocols for high-risk pathogen work. Sports (Local Spotlight): Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi delivered a standout performance as Congo reached World Cup knockouts for the first time, narrowly losing to England’s Harry Kane.

Environmental Justice & Governance: ERA will launch 20-country Environmental Rights case studies across Africa, using a shared method to assess how communities can access information, participate in decisions, and seek justice when rights are violated. Biosecurity & Lab Safety: Whistleblower documents allege serious safety gaps at an NIH virus lab in Montana, raising concerns about protocols for high-risk pathogen work. Port Infrastructure: Congo Terminal completed steel pile driving for the East Mole expansion quay, installing 558 piles to keep the project on track for delivery in the first half of 2027. Digital Identity & Services: Rwanda is extending biometric digital IDs to refugees and citizens, while Kenya boosts cybersecurity to support its fast-growing digital government ecosystem. Fintech for Cross-Border Trade: Vidari Group launched Vidaripay, aiming to cut costs and delays for freelancers and small businesses making payments across African borders. Conservation Science: Scientists call for more Africa-led research to protect Congo Basin forests as deforestation and climate pressures mount. Wildlife Monitoring Tech: Rwanda is using environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect species with less intrusive surveys, improving biodiversity tracking in protected areas.

Digital Identity & Security: Rwanda is extending biometric digital IDs to refugees and residents, using photos, fingerprints, and iris scans to speed access to public services, while Kenya pushes cybersecurity to support its fast-growing digital government. Telecom Leadership: Airtel Kenya appoints Djibril Tobe as managing director, replacing Ashish Malhotra, as the operator highlights past gains in 5G, eSIM, fibre, and Airtel Money growth. Port Infrastructure: Congo Terminal completes steel pile driving for the East Mole expansion’s future quay, installing 558 piles and keeping delivery on track for the first half of 2027. Climate & Conservation Tech: Scientists call for more Africa-led research to protect the Congo Basin, and a new global early warning system aims to forecast extreme heat exposure risks for thousands of vertebrate species months ahead. Wildlife Monitoring: Rwanda is using environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect endangered species with less disturbance, improving biodiversity tracking in rugged habitats. Sports (Local Angle): Congo reaches the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, setting up a Round of 16 clash with England. Social Tensions: Anti-immigrant protests in South Africa mark a deadline for undocumented migrants to leave, with reports of violence, looting, and thousands displaced.

Telecom Leadership: Airtel Kenya named Senegalese executive Djibril Tobe as its new Managing Director, replacing Ashish Malhotra, who is moving to CEO of Indus Towers Africa; the handover follows a major push that expanded sites by 2,000+, rolled out 5G, eSIM, fibre, and boosted Airtel Money’s market share from ~2% to 11%. Port Infrastructure: Congo Terminal finished steel pile driving for the East Mole expansion, installing 558 piles for a new quay; the project is set to deliver in the first half of 2027 to raise handling capacity. Digital Identity & Security: Rwanda is extending biometric digital IDs to refugees as well as citizens and residents, while Kenya focuses on strengthening cybersecurity for its growing digital government. Conservation & Research: Experts call for more Africa-led research to protect the Congo Basin and guide climate and forest action. Wildlife Tech: Rwanda is using environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect species with less disturbance during biodiversity monitoring. Energy (Congo-Basin angle): Trident Energy is sounding out contractors for a mid-size FLNG vessel for offshore Congo-Brazzaville.

World Cup Tech & Sports: Congo’s historic run continues after a 3-1 comeback win over Uzbekistan, setting up an England clash in the Round of 32. Local Sports Schedule: June 29 matchups confirm the knockout bracket is taking shape, with Congo’s next game now locked in for Atlanta. Biodiversity Forecasting: Scientists unveiled a global early warning system that can flag when vertebrates face extreme heat exposure up to nine months ahead—useful for conservation planning across Central Africa. Congo Basin Research Push: A forum calls for more African-led research to protect the Congo Basin as deforestation and climate pressures grow. Digital Payments: Vidari Group launched Vidaripay, a cross-border payment platform aimed at cutting transaction costs and speeding settlements for businesses across the Republic of Congo and beyond. Energy & Industry: New reporting highlights how gas flaring wastes resources worth billions—an energy security issue for Congo as electricity access remains a major constraint. Ecosystem Monitoring Tech: Ground-based laser scanning (LiDAR) is being tested to improve forest carbon estimates, with experts warning that transparency matters as much as accuracy. Health & Outbreak Response: Coverage notes Ebola risk management as a doctor returns from Congo and an experimental antibody is sent for a Congo trial.

Digital Payments: Vidari Group launched Vidaripay, a cross-border payment platform aimed at cutting transaction costs and delays for freelancers, online merchants and small businesses across Nigeria, Rwanda and the Republic of Congo. Energy & Industry: Eni-BP’s Azule Energy/partner JV approved a final investment decision for the $5.1bn Greater PAJ ultradeepwater greenfield project offshore Angola, with Congo Basin links via Azule’s Agogo Integrated West Hub. Public Safety & Migration: Reports describe escalating anti-immigrant vigilante threats in South Africa ahead of a 30 June shutdown, raising regional concerns for migrants from across Southern Africa, including Congolese communities. Climate Tech & Carbon Markets: A new push for ground-based LiDAR forest scanning highlights better carbon estimates for reforestation and carbon credits, while warning that market transparency remains the bigger problem. Blue Economy: The Our Ocean Conference in Kenya secured $6.4bn in pledges for marine protection, fisheries monitoring and climate finance, with Africa hosting the event for the first time. Health & Research: Coverage on eDNA wildlife monitoring shows how genetic sampling in the wild can reduce disturbance while improving biodiversity tracking in Central/East African ecosystems.

World Cup Tech & Talent: Congo stunned Uzbekistan 3-1 to reach the Round of 32 for the first time, setting up a big clash with England—proof that African football momentum is accelerating. Tournament Schedule: Today’s knockout slate is locked in, with England vs. Congo listed for Atlanta on June 28 as the bracket takes shape. Local Science & Conservation: Rwanda is rolling out environmental DNA (eDNA) to track endangered species with less disturbance, a model that could inspire Congo Basin biodiversity monitoring. Health & Biosecurity: A doctor returning from Congo tested positive for Ebola in France, with authorities saying the public risk is low—another reminder that cross-border health surveillance matters. Energy & Industry: Trident Energy is sounding out contractors for a mid-size FLNG vessel for offshore Congo-Brazzaville, aiming to turn local gas resources into LNG. Climate Measurement: New research highlights how ground laser scanning (LiDAR) can improve forest carbon estimates—useful for credible carbon credits. Digital Inclusion: GSMA reports digital reforms could unlock major funding for the Republic of Congo, pushing connectivity and services forward.

Wildlife Tech: Rwanda is rolling out environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect species from genetic traces in soil and water, aiming to cut disturbance during surveys and strengthen biodiversity monitoring in Volcanoes National Park. Health & Biosecurity: A doctor returning from Congo tested positive for Ebola in France, with authorities isolating the patient and tracing contacts as the outbreak continues to grow. Local Digital Economy: A GSMA report says Congo-Brazzaville can unlock about FCFA 870 billion by 2030 by fixing the “usage gap” (4G coverage is high, but only a small share of people use mobile internet), through policy and regulatory reforms. Energy & Climate: The World Bank warns global gas flaring hit a six-year high, with flared gas worth about $54B in 2025—an energy-security and development loss for oil-producing countries including the Republic of Congo. Research for Forest Carbon: Ground-based laser scanning (LiDAR) is being tested to improve forest carbon estimates for reforestation and carbon credits, though market transparency remains the bigger challenge. Ocean Monitoring: Our Ocean Conference in Kenya secured $6.4B in pledges for marine protection, fisheries monitoring and blue-economy projects.

Mobile Connectivity & Jobs: A GSMA report says the Republic of Congo can unlock about $1.4bn (FCFA 870bn) by 2030 by fixing the “usage gap” — 4G covers ~86% of people, but only 19% use mobile internet, with reforms expected to add 144,000 jobs and connect 540,000 more. Digital Identity: Rwanda’s biometric ID rollout is expanding to refugees too, using photos, fingerprints and iris scans to improve access to services and integration. Health & Ebola Response: The U.S. is sending an experimental Ebola antibody (MPB134) for a clinical trial in Congo, while France reports a first Ebola case in a doctor returning from Congo. Energy & Climate: The World Bank warns gas flaring hit a six-year high, wasting fuel worth about $54bn in 2025 and undermining Africa’s electricity and industrial growth. Environment & Carbon: LiDAR forest scanning could improve carbon estimates for reforestation, but experts stress transparency matters most for carbon credits. Congo Basin Science: The UN-backed Science Panel for the Congo Basin presented its 2025 assessment report in Brazzaville to guide policy and investment. Tech & Industry: Trident Energy is sounding out contractors for a mid-size FLNG vessel to tap offshore Congo-Brazzaville gas. Sports (Local Interest): Congo’s World Cup push continues with a key match vs Uzbekistan as group play ends today.

Digital Inclusion: A GSMA report unveiled at Brazzaville’s Digital Africa Summit says the Republic of Congo has strong 4G coverage (about 86% of people) but weak mobile internet use (only ~19%), and argues targeted policy and regulatory reforms could unlock FCFA 870bn in extra value, create 144,000+ jobs, and connect 540,000 more people by 2030. Climate & Forest Science: A landmark Congo Basin assessment report was officially presented in Brazzaville, aiming to close scientific and investment gaps and guide evidence-based resilience for the world’s biggest tropical forest carbon sink. Public Health & Ebola: The US is sending an experimental Ebola antibody (MPB134) for a clinical trial in Congo as cases rise, while France reports its first Ebola case from a doctor returning from Congo. Energy & Environment: New reporting highlights how global gas flaring hit a six-year high, wasting resources worth tens of billions—an energy-security problem for Congo and the region. Tech in the Region: Rwanda’s biometric identity rollout is expanding to refugees, promising easier access to services. World Cup Tech Angle: Congo’s coach says Africa should have more World Cup teams as Congo fights for knockout qualification.

World Cup (Congo): Congo’s World Cup return is on the line as they face Uzbekistan on June 27, with a win needed to reach the knockout stage; the matchup highlights Congo’s attacking confidence led by Yoane Wissa and the pressure on a shaky defense. World Cup (Congo vs Colombia): Colombia edged Congo 1-0 to advance, with Lionel Mpasi making early saves but Congo twice going close late as Camilo Vargas denied Mbuku and Mbemba. Digital Economy (Republic of Congo): GSMA says the Republic of Congo has strong 4G coverage (86%) but weak usage (only 19% use mobile internet); targeted policy and regulatory reforms could unlock FCFA 870bn in value, create 144,000 jobs, and connect 540,000 more people by 2030. Climate & Forest Science: LiDAR ground laser scanning could improve forest carbon estimates for reforestation and carbon credits, though experts warn the carbon market’s biggest problem is transparency. Public Health (Ebola): A doctor returning from a Congo mission tested positive for Ebola in France, with isolation and contact tracing underway. Ocean Conservation: Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa secured $6.4bn in pledges for marine protection, fisheries monitoring, and climate finance. Energy (Gas Flaring): The World Bank reports global gas flaring hit a six-year high, wasting fuel worth about $54bn in 2025—an energy-security issue for Congo and Africa.

Ocean Conservation: The Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa wrapped up with $6.4 billion in pledges for marine protected areas, fisheries monitoring, climate finance and “blue economy” projects, with experts urging stronger protection of what already exists. Energy & Environment: A World Bank tracker says global gas flaring hit 167 billion cubic metres in 2025, rising for the third straight year; the wasted gas is valued at $54 billion and could help Africa expand electricity and cleaner cooking. Digital Economy (Congo): A GSMA report says policy and regulatory reforms could unlock about FCFA 870 billion in extra value for the Republic of Congo by 2030, boosting mobile internet use and jobs. Public Health (Ebola): The U.S. is sending an experimental Ebola antibody (MPB134) for a clinical trial in Congo as cases rise, while Kenya ordered a halt to an Ebola quarantine center after court action. Science & Nature (Congo Basin): In Brazzaville, the UN-backed Science Panel for the Congo Basin presented its 2025 assessment report, aiming to guide policy for the region’s resilience and carbon-sink role. Tech Milestone (Aviation): Japan’s SkyDrive says its eVTOL reached 100km/h in high-speed tests, a step toward commercialization.